Traffic Offense in Columbia County, Florida

1,963
Total Cases
56.1%
Guilty Rate
22.8%
Withheld Rate
0.1%
Dismissal Rate
7.1 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 1,963 Traffic Offense cases in Columbia County (2023-2025), 56.1% resulted in a guilty finding, 22.8% had adjudication withheld, and 0.1% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 7.1 months, with an average fine of $524.88. 8.2% of defendants retained private counsel while 35.9% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
56.1% (1,101)
Withheld
22.8% (448)
Diversion
20.9% (410)
Dismissed
0.1% (1)
Acquitted
0.1% (2)

Sentencing Breakdown

7.1 months
Avg Sentence
1.3 months
Median Sentence
1 year, 1 months
Avg Probation
$524.88
Avg Fine
1.6%
Prison Rate
9.3%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 183 1.6 months
State Prison Facility 32 3.2 years

Counsel Analysis

842
Self or Unrepresented
27.1% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
704
Public Defender
82.5% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
161
Private Attorney
53.4% guilty · 0.0% dismissed

Demographics

Demographic data reflects systemic patterns in the criminal justice system and should not be used to draw conclusions about any racial or ethnic group. Disparities may reflect differences in policing, prosecution, and socioeconomic factors rather than actual crime rates.

Race Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
White 987 63.0% 0.1%
Black 649 56.7% 0.0%

Age Distribution

8.1%
Under 21
28.7%
21-29
29.2%
30-39
18.6%
40-49
10.3%
50-59
5.1%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 652 54.4% 0.2% 4.8 months
2024 662 55.6% 0.0% 7.3 months
2025 649 58.2% 0.0% 9.4 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor Second Degree 1,593
Misdemeanor First Degree 283
Felony Third Degree 75
Misdemeanor Not Applicable 12

Related Charges in Columbia County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Drug Possession 852 83.1% 0.5%
Larceny / Theft 712 64.0% 0.0%
Other 568 48.2% 2.1%
Resisting Officer 413 79.7% 0.7%
Fraud 409 76.5% 0.2%
Battery 325 74.5% 0.3%
Weapons Offense 165 84.2% 0.0%
Trespassing 157 86.6% 0.0%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Traffic Offense in Columbia County?
The guilty rate is 56.1% based on 1,963 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Traffic Offense in Columbia County?
Adjudication is withheld in 22.8% of cases. This is a Florida-specific outcome where the court finds guilt but does not formally convict, allowing the defendant to avoid a conviction record under FL Statute 948.01.
What is the average sentence for Traffic Offense in Columbia County?
The average sentence is 7.1 months, with an average fine of $524.88.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
35.9% of defendants use a public defender, while 8.2% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Columbia County. "Guilty" includes all cases where the defendant was found guilty. "Adjudication withheld" is a Florida-specific disposition where guilt is found but the court withholds formal adjudication under FL Statute 948.01. "Dismissed" includes all cases dismissed by the court or prosecution.

Source: FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency · 1,963 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026